How do you check the Status of your passport application and do you?
Not sure about the first half of your question, but about the second half: A REAL ID lets you board US domestic flights. You cannot use it to cross borders (if the ID is also an enhanced drivers license (only issued by a few states) you can use it to cross some borders by road or ship only). So, if you want to, for example, fly to Canada, you need a passport.